GET TINGLE FROM SOI
CHACUN POUR SOI can show why he is officially rated the best runner in today’s Betfair Tingle Creek Chase by capturing the Sandown prize.
With 8lb in hand of his nearest rival Nube Negra, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding has done little wrong in his illustrious career that has seen him land five Grade One events for Ireland’s champion trainer.
He was unfortunate not to have won the Champion Chase at Cheltenham last season when the hold-up tactics backfired.
On that occasion, he finished third behind Put The Kettle On with Nube Negra second and Greaneteen back in fourth place.
Nube Negra failed to confirm that running when finishing 25l behind CHACUN POUR SOI (2.25, nap, ITV4) at Punchestown.
The progressive THIRD TIME LUCKI (1.50, ITV4) can make it three wins on the bounce over fences in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase.
The handicapper has given THE MIGHTY DON (3.00, treble, ITV4) a cracking chance, running off the same mark he carried when second to Yala Enki at Cheltenham last month.
BENSON (3.35, ITV4) will now be ready after his promising first run after a wind operation at Cheltenham last month when fifth behind Gowel Road.
At Aintree SIMPLY THE BETTS (2.05, nb, ITV) will relish this step up to three miles. He caught the eye on his first run for Paul Nicholls at Cheltenham last month when sixth behind Midnight Shadow. Protektorat posted his best run when second in that contest and has to be respected but his overall form falls below that of the selection.
WHITE PEPPER (1.30, ITV) is the pick of the three fancied Irish runners in the Unibet Fillies’ Hurdle.
The three-year-old tanked up at Galway in October.
Last season’s Scottish Grand National winner MIGHTY THUNDER (2.40, ITV4) can book his ticket for ‘the big one’ at Aintree in April by taking the Becher Chase. He gives the impression that he will relish today’s contest over 21 of the demanding National fences.
Despite hitting the deck in his two recent outings, MIDNIGHT RIVER (3.15, ITV4) deserves another chance.
He showed he was a smart novice last term when fourth in a Grade Two event behind Adrimel at Warwick in January.